FusionAuth vs Zitadel: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between FusionAuth and Zitadel comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
FusionAuth
Customer identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • FusionAuth is a complete identity platform for authentication and authorization
- • It provides login, registration, SSO, and user management with self-hosting options
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Zitadel is an open-source identity management platform
- • It provides authentication, authorization, and user management
| At a Glance |  FusionAuth |  Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | API Tools |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | FusionAuth | Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendHosting & Deployment | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How FusionAuth and Zitadel Compare
FusionAuth
Customer identity and access management
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Free tier available · 82/100 score
FusionAuth is a low-code backend tool. Zitadel is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: FusionAuth
Want the highest-rated option?
FusionAuth: 84/100. Zitadel: 82/100.
Go with: FusionAuth
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: FusionAuth
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
FusionAuth is a low-code backend tool. Zitadel is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
FusionAuth scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
FusionAuth
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zitadel
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
FusionAuth (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FusionAuth or Zitadel better?
FusionAuth scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are FusionAuth and Zitadel used for?
FusionAuth: Customer identity and access management. Zitadel: Open-source identity management.
What does FusionAuth cost vs Zitadel?
FusionAuth is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Zitadel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.